ECONOMISTS and members of the academe are set to hold a conference on Saturday to raise awareness on Mindanao issues set to be confronted during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
The gathering, entitled "Development Agenda for Mindanao under P-Noy" will be held at Room 213, 2/F Finster Hall, Ateneo de Davao University (Addu), E. Jacinto Street, Davao City from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Convenors of the event are the Philippine Economic Society (PES), a non-stock, non-profit organization of economists together with the Economics Program and Economics Society of the Ateneo de Davao University.
Addu economics coordinator Mildred Megarbio said the conference aims to heighten awareness of the national and regional macroeconomic situation and the Philippine roadmap under the Aquino Administration.
"It further aims to discuss on key issues in Mindanao particularly in the areas of political stability, peace and reconciliation, environmental sustainability and cultural diversity, and their relationship with the overall economic landscape of the country," Megarbio said in a statement.
"The conference offers a great opportunity for people in the academe, the government and business sector to hear first hand updates on the current economic direction," Megarbio added.
PES, in partnership with the Economics program of the Addu, will bring former National Economic and Development Authority director general Dr. Cielito Habito to present among others the Philippine Economic Situationer; Dean Marvic Leonen of the UP College of Law and the head of the peace panel to discuss political stability, peace and reconciliation, and Dr. Germelino Bautista of Ateneo de Manila University to discuss Environmental Sustainability.
The conference will also feature the Regional Economic Situationer that will be presented by National Statistical Coordinating Board director Prof. Estrella R. Turingan as well as discussions on cultural diversity by Fr. Albert Alejo SJ.
The PES has served as one of the strongest networks of economists in the academe, government, and business sector. PES is recognized in the international professional community as an active member of the International Economic Association (IEA) and one of the founders of the Federation of Asean Economic Associations (FAEA).
For inquiries you may contact the Laarni Arcenas of the Economics Program of Ateneo de Davao University through Ms. Laarni Arcenas at 2212411 local 8322 or email at mmegarbio@gmail.com. (JCZ)